30 July,2026 07:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Mamta Kulkarni, Mahira Sharma (Pictures via X)
More than three decades after Karan Arjun gave Bollywood one of its most memorable songs, Mujhko Ranaji Maaf Karna, the iconic track has been reimagined as Ranaji 2.0. Featuring Mahira Sharma and choreographed by Remo D'Souza, the recreated version has sparked conversations among fans, with many comparing it to the original that starred Mamta Kulkarni. The actress has now shared her thoughts on the remake while reflecting on her own experience filming the cult classic.
Reacting to Mahira's performance, Mamta had words of appreciation but admitted that the original continues to hold a special place in audiences' hearts.
"She has done a good job. The point is that you're watching a song that was originally in ghagra choli and Indian dance moves, now made in a western format and in a western outfit. So, it stands out. But the earlier song is etched in people's minds, so it immediately comes to your mind," she said while talking to Variety.
Looking back at the making of the original number, Mamta recalled that choreographer Chinni Prakash had planned multiple days of rehearsals. However, she picked up the dance routine much sooner than expected. She was surprised, though, when the choreography was changed on the day of the shoot.
"I asked him why he had changed the steps. I wondered what the point of the rehearsals was, but Chinni Prakash masterji was very good, and we wrapped up the song on time," she remembered.
Mamta also praised director Rakesh Roshan for pulling off the ambitious musical sequences in Karan Arjun. Recalling the scale of the production, she credited him for bringing together a large ensemble cast and delivering songs that remain popular even today.
"The Jai Maa Kaali song was difficult to shoot because there were many dancers. I give credit to Rakeshji for completing such a complicated film with so many artists. Karan Arjun became a superhit. Whether it was Jai Maa Kaali, Bhangda Paa Le or Ek Munda Meri Umr Da, people loved all the songs," she said.
The actress also opened up about returning to films after years away from the spotlight. While revealing that she has been receiving acting offers, Mamta said she would only make a comeback if the right script comes her way. She added that her perspective has changed significantly over the years.
"I've been receiving acting offers. If I get a script I'm truly excited about, I'm ready to take it on. Of course, I won't be able to do a song like Mujhko Ranaji Maaf Karna today with these lyrics. I'm spiritually conscious and awakened now," she said, adding that she now pays much closer attention to lyrics than she did during the early days of her career.
